Owais Crawford
Planning and packing properly can make the security screening process at the airport much smoother. Most hazardous materials are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage, but there are exceptions for some personal items such as toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, and assistive devices. If you are shipping animals, shipping barrels, or even perishable items like fresh seafood, there are specific requirements to follow. Packaging requirements also vary for high-value items such as coins and jewellery. To ensure a seamless experience, it's important to be aware of what items are permitted and how to pack them appropriately, as well as understanding that certain items may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint based on security concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Packaging requirements | Must be legible on two adjoining sides with the name, street address, and telephone contact for both the shipper and consignee. Old labels and markings should be removed. |
| Prohibited items | Most hazardous materials, fireworks, box cutters, utility knives, and razors. |
| Permitted items | Toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, assistive devices, shaving razors enclosed in safety cartridges, and food items. |
| Special requirements | Shipping animals, barrels, cans, drums, etc. require special preparation and packaging. |
| Security measures | TSA officers may request to power up electronic devices, perform pat-down procedures, and inspect locked bags. |
| Privacy | The Secure Flight program collects minimal personal information, such as name, date of birth, and sex, for risk-based passenger pre-screening. |
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What You'll Learn
Hazardous materials
If you are carrying unused COVID-19 test kits, these are typically allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples (e.g., nasal swabs and vials of sputum) are not allowed in carry-on baggage and must be properly packaged, handled, and identified as a UN3373 Category B Infectious Substance during transportation. Passengers should check with their carrier before packing COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples in checked baggage or shipping as cargo.
There are also limitations for traveling with liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in your carry-on bag. Each LAG container must not exceed 3.4 oz (100 ml), and the limit is one liter and 10 containers per passenger. LAGs required for medical purposes or special needs in containers over 100 ml are allowed, but an agent may request verification of the type and quantity of LAGs being carried. TSA allows certain duty-free liquids through security in carry-on bags if they are packaged in a security tamper-evident bag.
It is important to note that the transportation of hazardous materials is heavily regulated, and passengers must be informed of the restrictions on hazardous materials in baggage. This information must be provided during the ticket purchase process and the flight check-in process. The information may be in text or pictorial form, and passengers must acknowledge their understanding of the restrictions before completing the purchase or check-in process.
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Perishables
Perishable items are time- and temperature-sensitive goods that need to be handled with care during the shipping process. Examples of perishables include fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, dairy products, flowers, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
When shipping perishables, it is important to use appropriate packaging that can withstand the journey and account for changes in altitude and temperature. The packaging should be sturdy enough to allow for stacking and protect the contents from damage. It is recommended to avoid using Styrofoam outer packaging as it is not allowed in most cases. Instead, use leak-proof plastic or fiberglass containers, or a multi-walled, wax-impregnated fiberboard outer container with leak-proof corners.
Fresh seafood requires extra care and should be placed inside a polyethylene bag at least 4 mil thick (or two 2-mil bags) and pressure-sealed, knotted, or professionally folded to prevent leakage. When using self-oxygenating containers for seafood, a statement on company letterhead should be provided to guarantee no leakage will occur.
To ensure the safe transport of perishables, it is important to comply with governmental regulations, such as registering all foreign and domestic food facilities with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and providing prior notice of shipments. Additionally, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the international trade of certain plants and animals, and supplying the necessary information beforehand can help avoid delays.
Some airports, such as Miami International Airport (MIA), are investing in state-of-the-art facilities to handle perishable goods. The Future-Ready Perishables Facility at MIA will be the first of its kind in Florida and the largest in the U.S., offering phytosanitary treatment to eradicate pests and cold chain processing services for perishable goods.
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Dangerous goods
Gases, including compressed, liquefied, refrigerated liquefied, dissolved, adsorbed, flammable, non-flammable, and poisonous varieties, are considered dangerous goods. This includes items like butane oxygen, liquid nitrogen, oxygen spray bottles, canned oxygen, oxygen canisters, and oxygen aerosols. Corrosives such as acids, alkalis, mercury, and apparatus containing mercury are also restricted.
Explosives, munitions, fireworks, flares, and ammunition are forbidden. This includes blank cartridges, handguns, pistol caps, and avalanche rescue backpacks. Flammable liquids and solids, such as lighter refills, lighter fuel, matches, paints, thinners, fire-lighters, and lighters that need inverting before ignition, are also prohibited. Radioactive material, briefcases, and attaché cases with installed alarm devices are similarly restricted.
Some items containing dangerous goods may be allowed, such as certain parachutes with automatic activation devices (AAD) and avalanche rescue backpacks. These exceptions are typically dependent on the quantity and nature of the dangerous goods involved. For instance, a single avalanche rescue backpack per person is permitted if it contains a cylinder of compressed gas in Division 2.2 and less than 200 mg net of explosives in Division 1.4S.
Additionally, passengers may carry certain sharp objects and tools, such as knives, scissors, and Swiss army knives, but these are often subject to specific requirements and restrictions. Lithium and sodium-ion batteries are another example of dangerous goods that can be carried by air, provided they meet certain conditions regarding configuration, Watt-hour rating, or lithium content.
It is important to note that regulations and restrictions on dangerous goods can vary across different countries and airlines. Therefore, passengers should always refer to the specific guidelines provided by their chosen airline and the relevant aviation authorities for detailed and up-to-date information.
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Prohibited items
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restrict many common items to prevent inflight danger. The final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
Hazardous materials are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are exceptions for some personal items, such as toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, and assistive devices.
Gas-powered generators are only accepted as checked items if they are new, unused, and in their original packaging. Lithium-ion battery-powered generators and large portable power banks are not allowed as carry-on or checked items. Firearms are only permitted in checked bags if they are declared to an agent at check-in, and small arms ammunition for sporting purposes must not exceed 11lbs/5kg.
Marijuana possession, even medical marijuana, is illegal under federal law, and passengers travelling with marijuana will be referred to law enforcement authorities.
American Airlines has specific requirements for shipping animals, perishable cargo, coins and jewellery, and dangerous goods. All barrels must be secured upright and either banded or strapped to a skid or pallet.
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Security screening process
The security screening process at airports is a complex and evolving procedure, designed to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. The process involves multiple layers of security and various technologies to detect potential threats. While the specific procedures may vary depending on the airport and local regulations, there are several standard steps and measures in place. Here is an overview of the security screening process:
- Risk-based passenger pre-screening: Before passengers arrive at the airport, certain programs, such as Secure Flight, work to identify potential risks. This is done by matching passenger names against trusted traveller lists and watchlists. This pre-screening helps enhance security by allowing officers to focus on individuals who may require additional screening.
- Passenger screening: At the airport, passengers undergo screening at designated checkpoints. This typically includes walking through metal detectors or millimetre-wave scanners to detect any metal objects or potential threats. In some cases, passengers may be asked to remove their shoes, which are then scanned separately. Additionally, passengers may be subject to pat-down procedures, particularly if the initial screening technology triggers an alarm or if they are selected for enhanced screening.
- Baggage screening: All carry-on and checked baggage is screened for prohibited items and potential threats. This includes the use of X-ray machines and explosives trace-detection portal machines (also known as "puffer machines"). Locks used on checked baggage should be those that can be opened by TSA officers to avoid the need for lock cutting during inspection. Certain hazardous materials are forbidden in both carry-on and checked baggage, with a few exceptions for personal items such as toiletries and medicines.
- Unattended baggage and suspicious activities: The travelling public plays a crucial role in reporting any unattended baggage or packages, individuals with threatening items, or suspicious activities. This information can be reported to local law enforcement or through programs such as the TSA's "If You See Something, Say Something™" initiative.
- Employee security checks: Airport employees who require access to secure areas, such as the airside or sterile zone, must undergo comprehensive security checks. This includes criminal background checks, proof of identity, and other measures to ensure only authorised personnel enter these restricted areas.
- Additional measures: Airports may implement various additional security measures, such as the use of police dog services for explosive and drug detection. Some airports have introduced "premium" lines to expedite the security process for certain passengers, while others are testing new screening technologies, such as the "Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques" (SPOT) program.
The security screening process is subject to change, with authorities such as the TSA adjusting their procedures to address evolving threats and maintain the highest levels of transportation security. These measures aim to safeguard passengers, staff, and the wider aviation industry from potential dangers.
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Frequently asked questions
The types of packages that can be checked at the airport vary depending on the airport and the airline. Generally, it is important to pack properly and plan ahead to facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience. Some items that are typically permitted include:
- Battery-powered electronics
- Medicines
- Toiletry items
Packages containing hazardous materials or dangerous goods are prohibited at most airports and airlines. Some common examples include:
- Fireworks
- Box cutters
- Utility knives
- Razors
- Perishable items like fresh seafood
Yes, some items have specific packaging requirements. For example:
- Coins and jewelry must be packaged in sealed and banded metal or wooden boxes of at least 1,728 cubic inches.
- Barrels, cans, drums, and similar items must be secured upright and either banded or strapped to a skid or pallet.
- Transparent or clear plastic protective coverings are required for palletized shipments.
Yes, shipping animals come with specific requirements that vary depending on the type of animal and the airline. It is important to review the guidelines provided by your chosen airline before arriving at the airport.
